Michael Bankston III, 25, was shot and killed on September 17, 2021, in Chicago’s Logan Square after intervening in a domestic assault. Witnesses said he stepped in when a man was physically attacking his girlfriend; that man, identified as 22-year-old Jesus Garcia, pulled a 9-mm handgun and fired multiple times. Bankston was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where he died.

Surveillance video captured the incident and helped identify the suspect. Garcia was arrested more than a month later, waived his right to remain silent, and confessed, saying he believed Bankston was going to harm him and that he dismantled the gun and disposed of it in a lagoon. Garcia was charged with first-degree murder; his defense disclosed a diagnosis of mental illness. Judge Marie McCarthy denied bail and Garcia remained in custody awaiting trial. The community later honored Bankston by renaming a street near his home.

If anyone knew Michael Bankston III or witnessed the September 17 incident, please share what you remember.